Lionel Messi: Pep Guardiola would be a success at Chelsea FC

Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola will be a success at Chelsea if he takes charge of the club next season, according to Barca ace Lionel Messi.

Rafael Benitez was installed as Chelsea's interim manager on Wednesday night, taking charge until the end of the season following the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo less than 24 hours earlier.

A large proportion of Chelsea supporters appear to be less than happy with the Spaniard's appointment, however, and Guardiola is still believed to be owner Roman Abramovich's top target to take charge of the club on a permanent basis next summer.

And Messi believes his former coach would be more than capable of delivering results in the Premier League.

"Guardiola will be a success wherever he goes," he said.

"He is widely recognised as one of the best coaches in the world.

"For me he is the best coach in the world and wherever he goes he will be a success I have no doubt about that. He’ll go where he wants to go and good luck to him."

Speaking at Camp Nou as EA Sports, the makers of smash-hit video game FIFA 13 presented his foundation with a cheque for $250,000, Messi was also asked about Di Matteo's departure from Stamford Bridge.

"It’s difficult to judge the situation when you are not inside the club but Chelsea are a great club and with big clubs if you lose two game consecutively then these things can happen, the pressure starts to mount," he added.